"Impulsivity and ADHD: Why Am I Like This?" ADHD Counseling in Santa clarita, CA
Did you know Impulsivity is a Symptom of ADHD?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, you’ve likely seen how impulsivity can cause issues—saying or doing things in the moment without thinking through the consequences. Trust me, I’ve been there too.
As an LPCC specializing in children, teens, and families in Santa Clarita, CA, I’ve worked with many individuals struggling with ADHD, and one of the most challenging symptoms they often face is impulsivity.
Impulsivity and ADHD: What’s Going On?
Robin Martin is a Christian Counselor (LPCC) specializing in children, teens, young adults, and families.
Impulsivity is one of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD, especially for those with the hyperactive type. It can show up as interrupting conversations, blurting out thoughts without thinking, or acting on a whim. For kids and teens, this can lead to struggles in school, friendships, and even at home. For adults, it can mean impulsive decisions that lead to regret, whether it’s an emotional outburst or an impulse purchase we wish we hadn’t made.
What’s happening here? The brain’s executive functioning—the part responsible for self-control, planning, and judgment—has a hard time regulating impulses. Those of us with ADHD might know what we should do, but in the moment, our brains don’t always cooperate.
Can You Relate?
I’ve often described myself as a toasted marshmallow: hard and crispy on the outside, but soft and gooey on the inside. On the surface, people with ADHD might seem confident or even tough, but underneath, we’re often highly sensitive. That impulsive comment or action wasn’t out of anger or spite—it was the result of our brain's fast-moving thought processes.
Looking back, I cringe at the impulsive things I’ve said, many times without even realizing how they came across. I was like a dog barking at its owner—no filter, just action. The regret sets in when we recognize how these moments have affected friendships or relationships. Ever lose a friend because of a comment you blurted out? Yeah, me too.
Practical Tips for Managing Impulsivity
While impulsivity is a natural part of ADHD, there are ways to manage it. Here are some strategies I use in my counseling practice that might help:
Pause and Breathe: Before reacting, try to pause—even if it’s just for a few seconds. Deep breathing exercises can help slow your mind down and give you a moment to think before you act.
Visual Reminders: Keeping a sticky note or visual reminder of “Think before you speak” or “Pause and Breathe” on your phone or in places where you spend a lot of time can help jog your memory when you’re in the heat of the moment.
Mindfulness Practices: Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings in real-time, making it easier to catch impulsive behavior before it happens.
Impulse Journaling: Writing down impulsive moments after they happen can help you identify patterns and triggers. It’s a way of reflecting on what happened without judgment, so you can begin to recognize the situations where impulsivity strikes most often.
The Bigger Picture
It’s important to understand that impulsivity doesn’t make someone bad or unworthy. Those of us with ADHD might have a harder time with self-regulation, but we’re also often quick thinkers, spontaneous, and creative problem-solvers. Instead of viewing impulsivity as a flaw, try to see it as part of the unique wiring that makes you who you are. With a little support and self-awareness, we can learn to manage it in ways that help us, rather than hold us back.
In My Shoes
As a therapist in Santa Clarita, CA, who’s walked in these shoes, I know it can feel overwhelming. Impulsivity is one of those symptoms that often comes with a side of guilt. But it’s not something to hide or be ashamed of. Instead, it’s a challenge that, with the right tools, can be managed. And in the process, we can even learn to be kinder to ourselves.
A Free Consultation With A Counselor- In Santa Clarita: Ask Me anything you Want!
I’m Robin Martin, a LPCC. I work with parents, children, teens, and young adults. If you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD and impulsivity, and you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me directly at 661-670-6157 or visit my website and click here to schedule a consultation. Together, we can explore how to navigate ADHD in a way that works for you or your family.
